I have been told that the Fuselage is a lot more interesting to build than the wings. There are lots of different parts, and more thought has to be put into how they go together. I assume this also means that it can take longer to complete. I am fully intending to build according to the plans and not make any time-consuming modifications. Here is a list of the specific features of my fuselage that may be different for other planes:

Slider Canopy: Although I would love to have the visibility afforded by the tip-up canopy, I live in Texas, and it gets pretty hot here at times. Having the ability to taxi with the canopy open is a big deal. It also gets rather windy around here. I don't want to have to worry about losing the canopy on a windy day.

Tricycle Gear: This decision was a no-brainer. Lower insurance costs, better handling and visibility, and increased safety are all stacked in favor of the nosegear version. You can build a taildragger if you want. I'll be plenty happy flying my nosegear-equipped plane.

Electric Elevator Trim: The main reason is because I don't want to have to deal with the big cable obstacle in the center of the console that you get with the manual trim. I already have the servo installed, so now it's just a matter of running the wire and installing the switch.

Two Side Steps: I don't have any idea why Vans even makes this an option. The -9A stands up really tall. There is no practical way to get up on the wing without a step. I haven't decided how I am going to finish the steps, but I think I will look into getting them chromed. I'm putting one on each side because I like things to be symmetrical.

8/10/04 - Delivery and Unpacking - 7 hours

Hey, this looks sort of familiar. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly four months since I opened the crates containing the wing kit. Once again I received two boxes, and although they are different sizes, they both weigh about the same.

The family wasn't nearly as interested in the contents of these boxes. For some reason they all disappeared when I got the claw hammer out and started prying off the lids.

There are some large skins in this box.

Now I know why this box is so heavy. It has landing gear struts, mounts, etc. in it.

This kit has way more parts bags. After working until 1am I am still not finished putting these into their storage bins.

Empty.

Full.

There are quite a few more parts here than with the wing kit. I barely have enough shelf space to hold everything. There are lots of identifiable parts in this kit, like landing gear legs, control sticks, instrument panel, etc. It is cool to pull out a part and know what it is for.